Well the PMA show is finished and we managed to fill our brains with as much information as we possibly could. It has been interesting to see the changes the show has taken on. Over the last few years the number of exhibitors that have been attending has slowly declined. Digital technology has had a major impact on the world of photography. Many manufacturers have gone out of business because there is just not enough demand for their products. In the not too distant future film manufacturers will have to make some tough decisions about what films to keep in their lines and which ones to discontinue. They may even have to decide if they are going to continue making film all together. I am not saying that film is dead but don’t be shocked to see the prices rise as the laws of supply and demand take over.
One thing is clear though. Digital photography has made things much more complicated. We have been given a new lease on life so to speak. The options and capabilities on the new cameras and digital printing are much more advanced than we used to have with film. This translates into power. But with power comes responsibility. I think the photographic manufacturers are acting a lot like children again; they are having lots of fun but not being very responsible yet.
Mike
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Hi Mike.
ReplyDeleteInteresting thoughts/observations about the PMA. As a consumer and avid photographer I have some opinions that I have formulated since the advent of digital.
1. Most photographers (including myself) are gearheads. We LOVE our cameras.
2. To some extent, the industry has tapped that emotional response to always have to get the next best thing.
3. It is easier to get on a photo website and argue about the virtues of our equipment and whine about "resolution" "lens softness" and other blah blah after shooting with a lens for a single afternoon.
4. Most people will NEVER shoot with a body long enough to appreciate it's full capabilities
5. I think film will be around far longer than what anyone thinks
6. Whether economy driven or not, there weren't any really "new" digital SLR's at the PMA, right?
7. If the vast majority of photographers never blow up pics past 8x10 (or 11x14?) how many more pixels and gear do we need?
I bought a Promaster 17-50 2.8 from Don several years ago and love it. When the lens was reviewed by some "expert" they indicated that it was soft with some linear distortion at the wide end. What a bunch of BS!
Thanks for letting me rant. I put the D80 away today for awhile and enjoying the F100 I just got last week from you guys! Time to get off the net and go take pictures.......
Mark